News Releases

Canadian immigrant magazine and RBC launch national awards
program celebrating achievements of immigrants to Canada

Nominations now being accepted for "Top 25 Canadian
Immigrants of 2009"

TORONTO, December 3, 2008 — Canadian Immigrant
Magazine, a print and online magazine serving immigrants to
Canada, has teamed up with RBC to introduce the first ever
national awards program designed to celebrate the achievements
of immigrants from coast to coast and from all walks of life.
Canadian Immigrant's People's Choice Awards recognizes the
"Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2009" and seeks to
uncover and celebrate the untold stories and remarkable achievements
of outstanding Canadian immigrants. Winners will be recognized
in Canadian Immigrant Magazine, as well as receive a commemorative
plaque and a $250 donation toward an authorized Canadian charity
of their choice.

"Canada is a nation built by immigrants, many of whom
have distinguished themselves by working to make our country
a better place," said Canadian Immigrant publisher Nick
Noorani. "In fact, one in five people living in Canada
were born in a different country. It's time we recognize and
celebrate their achievements."

Nominees would be someone who moved to Canada from another
country and has since contributed to the rich diversity and
success of this country. Achievements can be either professional
or personal and nominees must hold landed immigrant or citizen
status in Canada. They could be community leaders, role models,
entrepreneurs, teachers or volunteers.

"RBC has a long-standing commitment to helping newcomers
succeed in Canada," said Manisha Burman, director, Multicultural
Markets at RBC. "We are pleased to be involved in an
awards program that not only recognizes the achievements of
individuals who are making a difference in Canada, but inspires
others to do the same."

"Immigrants need positive role models who motivate them
to succeed in a new country as they journey through their
new lives in Canada," added Mr. Noorani. "We're
calling all Canadians to nominate an immigrant at canadianimmigrant.ca/top25
and help us share their stories with the entire nation."

Nominations are now open at canadianimmigrant.ca/top25.
On the website, visitors can watch a video highlighting how
two immigrants have made their Canadian dreams a reality.
Nominations will be accepted until January 30, 2009. At that
time, a distinguished panel of judges will review all nominees
and present a short list of finalists online. From February
16 to March 31, 2009, all Canadians will be able to vote online
for their favourite. The Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2009
will be announced in May 2009.

About Canadian Immigrant and canadianimmigrant.ca
Attracting over 275,000 readers each month, Canadian Immigrant
helps new Canadians build a successful life and home during
their first years in Canada. Its mandate to inform, educate
and motivate provides hands-on, easy-to-access content for
newcomers looking for information - from careers, education
and settling in to culture, money and business. The monthly
print publication is distributed in Toronto and Vancouver.

canadianimmigrant.ca
reaches immigrants nationwide, offering tools and resources
that help newcomers settle into their new communities - connecting
immigrants with each other as well as with immigrant experts
and prospective employers. Along with exclusive online stories
and special series, canadianimmigrant.ca offers free access
to interactive job, school and home finders plus immigrant
experts at Ask the Expert, where immigrants can send in their
pressing questions on various topics relevant to newcomers.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) and its subsidiaries
operate under the master brand name of RBC. We are Canada's
largest bank as measured by assets and market capitalization
and one of North America's leading diversified financial services
companies. We provide personal and commercial banking, wealth
management services, insurance, corporate and investment banking
and transaction processing services on a global basis. We
employ approximately 75,000 full- and part-time employees
who serve more than 17 million personal, business, public
sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada,
the U.S. and 46 other countries. For more information, please
visit www.rbc.com.